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An annual visit to your gynecologist or other healthcare professional is a
2-way
learning experience: You find out how you are doing medically, and your doctor,
or other healthcare professional, gets an update on any recent medical and social
changes that could have an impact on your reproductive and sexual health. It's
also a great opportunity to talk about the newest birth control options.
Before your visit, make a list of questions you want to ask, such as:
Reproductive Health
- How do I know what birth control method is right for me?
- What are the risks and benefits of available birth control options?
- How do I know if I'm
doing my breast self-examination correctly?
- How often do I need a Pap smear
or gynecological checkup?
- When should I get a mammogram?
- How do I know if
my period is "normal"?
- What changes in my menstrual cycle are important to note?
- Can my diet and exercise habits affect my reproductive health?
Sexual Health
- How can I practice safe sex?
- How do I know if I have a sexually transmitted
disease?
- Should I be tested for HIV or sexually transmitted diseases?
In addition to having questions ready, here are some things you can do to prepare
for your appointment:
- Know the dates of your last period.
- Make a list of the medications you currently are taking, or have recently taken,
to give to your healthcare professional.
- Be prepared to answer questions about your medical history, including surgeries,
immunizations, and your menstrual cycle. Make a list of any allergies you have
and your family history (eg, conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes,
kidney disease).
- If you have previous medical records, have them sent to your healthcare
professional or bring them with you.
- If you're sexually active, you'll be asked if you need contraception. Be prepared
to answer these questions and don't be embarrassed to tell the truth, which helps
your healthcare professional properly treat you.
- If you are using a diaphragm or cervical cap, bring it to your exam so that
your healthcare professional can examine it for signs of wear
or determine if you need to be refitted.
Things to discuss during your visit:
- Let your healthcare professional know about your day-to-day
life, including your eating and sleeping patterns, stress management, relationships,
and overall outlook.
- If you've read something in a newspaper or magazine that you're concerned about,
bring it in so that you can talk about it.
- Speak to your healthcare professional about osteoporosis
and ways you can prevent it as you get older.
- If you're thinking about having a child some time in the next year or so, talk
about it with your healthcare professional. He/she can provide
advice about appropriate contraception until you are ready to try to conceive.
- Ask your healthcare professional to recommend books or other
information resources for any health and lifestyle changes you're considering.
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